A Legendary Brand Returns to America
In October 2024, the Regent Santa Monica Beach officially opened its doors, marking the Regent brand’s grand return to the Americas after more than three decades. Regent Hotels & Resorts, once synonymous with cinematic opulence thanks to its famed Beverly Wilshire appearance in Pretty Woman, has chosen Santa Monica as the setting for its rebirth.
This isn’t just another luxury hotel—it’s a revival of Regent’s heritage, reimagined for a new generation of travelers seeking California cool blended with timeless elegance.
A Prime Location on Ocean Avenue
Perched directly on 1700 Ocean Avenue, the Regent Santa Monica Beach enjoys one of the most coveted addresses in Los Angeles. Just steps from the Santa Monica Pier, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the property gives guests instant access to the neighborhood’s sun-soaked beaches, vibrant shopping, and cultural landmarks.
The hotel replaces the former Loews Santa Monica but with a strikingly different approach—167 oversized guest rooms (each a minimum of 720 square feet) prioritize space, light, and comfort over quantity. Instead of crowded hallways and cookie-cutter rooms, guests are welcomed into airy retreats where ocean views and refined design dominate.
Design That Balances California and the Riviera
The transformation of this property is a design masterpiece by AvroKO, who fused California’s relaxed beach culture with the timeless glamour of the French and Italian Riviera.
- The lobby atrium, preserved from the original structure, soars with natural light, anchored by sail-inspired brass dividers.
- Interiors are bathed in oceanic tones of cream, teal, and bronze, with bespoke furniture and curated artwork.
- The atmosphere is both glamorous and serene—a place where international jet-setters and California locals feel equally at home.
It is luxury without ostentation: refined, airy, and deeply connected to its beachfront setting.
Rooms & Suites: Spacious Ocean Retreats
Every one of the 167 rooms and suites is designed with space in mind. In an era when many luxury hotels shrink their layouts, Regent chose to expand. With generous living areas, private terraces, and interiors accented by natural woods and light marble, the rooms feel like private sanctuaries overlooking the Pacific.
Guests wake up to the sound of waves, enjoy unobstructed sunsets from their balconies, and experience personalized service from Regent’s dedicated “Experience Managers,” ensuring every stay is tailored down to the smallest detail.
Guerlain Spa: European Prestige Meets California Wellness
One of the most defining features of the hotel is the 10,000-square-foot Guerlain Spa, the first of its kind on the U.S. West Coast.
With 12 treatment rooms, soothing pastel interiors, and intricate mosaic designs, the spa is a destination in itself. Treatments are designed to merge French haute beauty rituals with California-inspired wellness therapies, making it a sanctuary for both body and mind.
This is not just a hotel spa—it’s a flagship partnership between Guerlain and Regent, redefining the luxury spa experience in Los Angeles.
Dining: A Culinary Playground
Food and drink are central to the Regent Santa Monica Beach experience, with multiple dining venues curated by world-class names.
- Orla by Chef Michael Mina – A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant where flavors of the Greek isles and Southern Italy are reimagined with fresh California produce, all served with panoramic ocean views.
- Azure Bar – A sleek cocktail destination overlooking the pool and beach, offering elevated drinks that marry coastal freshness with international sophistication.
- Sweet July Café by Ayesha Curry – A warm, inclusive space celebrating women-of-color-owned businesses while serving wholesome, seasonal bites and specialty coffee.
Together, these outlets transform the Regent into a culinary destination as much as a luxury stay, appealing equally to hotel guests and locals.
Leisure & Lifestyle: More Than Just a Stay
Beyond rooms and dining, the hotel elevates every aspect of the guest journey:
- Beach butler service ensures a seamless experience from sand to suite.
- A fire-pit-lined pool deck offers sunset cocktails against the Pacific horizon.
- State-of-the-art fitness facilities cater to wellness-focused travelers.
- Indoor/outdoor event spaces provide a dreamlike setting for weddings, corporate retreats, and exclusive private gatherings.
Every touchpoint, from arrival to departure, reflects Regent’s ethos of effortless indulgence.
Accolades and Recognition
Despite being a newcomer, Regent Santa Monica Beach has already earned a place among the world’s best. In its first year, it was included in:
- AFAR’s Best New Hotels in the World 2025
- Esquire’s Best New Hotels List
- Travel + Leisure’s It List 2025: The 100 Best New Hotels of the Year
Forbes Travel Guide praised it as “a transformation into a beach-glam spa resort that elevates Santa Monica’s hospitality scene.”
Why Regent Santa Monica Beach Stands Out
In a city full of iconic hotels, what makes Regent Santa Monica unique?
- Heritage Meets Modernity – A brand with a storied past, reborn for today’s luxury traveler.
- Unrivaled Location – Prime beachfront, steps from the pier, with unparalleled ocean views.
- Expansive Rooms – More space per guest than nearly any other property in Santa Monica.
- Global Partnerships – Guerlain, Michael Mina, and Ayesha Curry elevate wellness and dining.
- Exclusive Service – From Experience Managers to beach butlers, every detail is curated.
This is not just a hotel—it is the flagship of Regent’s global renaissance, a property that redefines California luxury.
A New Icon on the Pacific
The opening of Regent Santa Monica Beach is more than a new chapter for the brand—it is a statement for American luxury hospitality. Combining Regent’s legendary reputation with Santa Monica’s laid-back elegance, it sets a new standard for oceanfront living.
For travelers seeking a stay that is refined yet relaxed, rooted in heritage yet modern in delivery, Regent Santa Monica Beach is not just a hotel—it is the new face of California luxury.
🌐 Official & Brand Sources
- Official Regent Santa Monica Beach Website
- Regent Hotels & Resorts – Wikipedia
- IHG Hotels & Resorts – Regent Santa Monica Announcement
📰 Reviews & Media Coverage
- Forbes Travel Guide – Regent Santa Monica Beach
- Condé Nast Traveler – Regent Santa Monica Beach
- Travel + Leisure – It List 2025
- AFAR – Best New Hotels in the World 2025
- Architectural Digest – Best Hotel Spas Around the World
- Vanity Fair – Regent Santa Monica Opening
- The Points Guy – First Look at Regent Santa Monica
🏨 Travel & Booking Platforms
- Tripadvisor – Regent Santa Monica Beach
- Booking.com – Regent Santa Monica Beach
- Expedia – Regent Santa Monica Beach